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China test-launches a ballistic missile in the South Pacific
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- China’s navy test-launched a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific, carrying a dummy warhead, marking its first such test in the Pacific in two years.
- The launch, described as routine annual training by China, sparked criticism from Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, who expressed concerns about regional security and compliance with the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone treaty.
- New Zealand highlighted that China informed them only hours before the launch, which occurred within the Nuclear Free Zone established by the 1986 Treaty of Rarotonga, raising questions about China’s adherence to its commitments.
- Experts interpret the test as a strategic signal to the United States, demonstrating China’s expanding nuclear deterrent capabilities beyond land-based missiles amid ongoing military modernization and a growing nuclear arsenal.
- China dismissed the regional criticism as overinterpretation, while the U.S. and regional allies remain wary of Beijing’s increasing military activities and lack of transparency.
